Carson Daly’s parenting advice: Talk to kids like adults

• Carson Daly says his trick to raising kids is to treat them like adults.
• “I always talked to them like they were in their 30s,” the “Today” co-host told People.
• Open communication can help strengthen the relationship between parents and their children.

It’s not easy being a father of four, but Carson Daly says the trick to raising kids is to treat them like adults.

In an interview with People published Wednesday, the “Today” co-host talked about how she brings up difficult topics — like mental health — with her kids.

Carson has four children with his wife, Siri Pinter: Jackson James, 15; Etta Jones, 11; London Rose, 9; and Goldie Patricia, 4.

“I always talked to them like they were in their 30s,” Carson told People, adding that he always tries to be open with them about his own struggles.

Part of that includes not hiding the fact that he and his wife go to therapy regularly.

“My wife and I went through couples therapy where they walked into the room on Zoom, and it’s not like I’m hiding it. “Hey guys what are you doing?” ” Daly said, recalling his children’s words. “‘Oh we do, mom and I do couples therapy. We do it once a week'”.

“”Marriage is hard. This helps mom and dad get out.” That’s how I talk to my kids,” he continued.

Carson says he also encourages his kids not to be shy about discussing their mental health with him.

“All their lives, I know two types, there’s physical health and mental health,” he said. “If you hurt your wrist at school, go to the doctor. And if you feel sad and you really don’t know why or if something is going on in your mind, it’s hard for you to fight, talk to someone about it too.”

Just as tuning in to emotions and practicing active listening are vital in the workplace, open communication plays a key role in strengthening the bond between parents and their children.

Many children have already developed self-esteem by the age of five, which means “they are likely to listen to what people say and form opinions based on their interactions with others,” Sanam Hafeez, a neuropsychologist and director Understand the Mindhe previously told Business Insider.

Researchers have discovered that when children hear their parents’ negative attitudes toward a group—however briefly—they take on those thoughts and feelings as well. Therefore, it is important for parents to choose their words carefully when talking to their children.

The CDC recommends that parents engage in active listening and try to learn about their children’s likes and dislikes to create a safe space for their children to express themselves.

A representative for Daly did not immediately respond to a request for comment sent by Business Insider after business hours.